Homicide rate in Canada drops again in 2016

According to Statistics Canada data released this week, police reported 611 homicides across Canada in 2016, a rate of 1.68 per 100,000 people. The rate is one per cent lower from the year before and 44 per cent lower than the peak rate recorded in 1975.

Homicide rates differ significantly across the country’s 33 census metropolitan areas (CMAs), made up of a city and its surrounding commuter suburbs. Here’s a look at some of the key regional differences.

Highest homicide rates

Eight victims in Thunder Bay boosted the northern Ontario city’s homicide rate to 6.64 in 2016, the highest among the 33 CMAs. The homicide rate has generally fluctuated over the years in Thunder Bay. In 2015 it was 2.48, while 2014 saw a rate of 9.04.

Edmonton saw 47 homicides, nine more than the year before, for a rate of 3.39. Regina followed with 8 homicides and a rate of 3.23.

Lowest homicide rates

The CMAs with the lowest homicide rates per 100,000 were Greater Sudbury and Kingston in Ontario, and Trois-Rivières, Que. Police reported zero homicides in all three communities in 2016.

The biggest cities

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary were in the middle of the list of 33 CMAs. Calgary saw 33 victims for 2.24 per 100,000, which is higher than the national rate. Vancouver saw a rate of 1.61 with 41 homicides, followed by Toronto with 1.55 and 96 victims. Montreal fared better with a homicide rate of 1.02 and 42 homicide reports.

Gun deaths

For the third year in a row, homicides involving firearms saw an increase in both their number and rate. In 2016, there were 223 firearm-related homicides, or 44 more than the year before.